Lydia Green Adjusts to Iowa State

Courtesy: cyclones.com

Release: 10/04/2013

Related Links

More from Cyclones.tv

AMES, Iowa- Lydia Green could be easily mistaken for your typical freshman. Just like many first-year students, she is juggling classes with socializing, staying on top of homework while having time to make those freshman year memories we all love to look back on.

The Melton, England native seems shy at first, but a quiet smile shows she’s at ease and enjoying her time at Iowa State. Green says that the hardest part of adjusting to college is the busy lifestyle.

“It’s hard to find spare time and get used to scheduling in time for homework,” Green said.

After spending her junior and senior years of high school away from home, Green graduated from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida with high academic marks. She was awarded the 2013 Ascender Award in recognition of her hard work and dedication while at the school.

Head coach Armando Espinosa thinks that Green knows what to work on.

“She comes from an academy that’s pretty demanding, so I think the transition to practice hasn’t affected her that much,” Espinosa said. “I think the schoolwork and everything else is just a little bit overwhelming at the beginning. But I think she’s getting a lot better at that and she’s just a lot of fun to be around.”

Despite her academic achievements and prestigious background, Green probably has it a little tougher than most freshmen. While most were off enjoying last week’s first football victory over Tulsa, Green was headed to Waterloo to compete in only her second tournament as a collegiate tennis player. She took runner-up in the UNI Singles bracket.

“I think her potential is huge,” Espinosa said. “She can be as good as she wants to be, it’s just going to be a matter of having her truly believe in what she can do.”

It’s apparent that the thing that sets Green apart is her drive to succeed.

“I just want to get a lot better,” Green said. “I want to try and keep doing good in my classes and stay focused. I’m learning to balance everything.”

Outside of her studies, Green still looks to have some fun. Socializing with the team is her favorite part of life at Iowa State, when she can find the time.

“When we go on a team trip we have dinners together and it’s always a good time,” Green said. “It’s a really good team.”

Even though Green is dedicated to improving her studies as well as her tennis game, there are a few other things she’s excited about doing while at ISU.

“I haven’t been to a volleyball game or anything, so I’m looking forward to going to some other events,” Green said. “I’ve never seen volleyball. Maybe ice hockey. I don’t even know the rules.”